"Buffy?"
What fresh new torture is this. Does Angelus really need to play with my mind, pretending to be my Angel, now that he has all but won. I can't help it as my eyes flicker up hoping and not hoping that somehow Angel has been brought back to me.
The cruel smirk has gone from his face. Instead of the evil delight he looks confused and scared. I am overjoyed to see him standing in front of me. The world has been going so wrong but with Angel back I feel like I can face whatever may come.
Then I see Acathla and remember where we are. It is too late, there isn't enough time, there is never enough time.
I grip the sword tighter. There may be nothing left for me here, but my friends, Giles, even my mom deserve to get a chance to live and be happy.
As tears begin to course down my face I whisper "Shh. Don't worry about it. I love you."
"I love you." Angel says automatically, and I am strengthened.
"Close your eyes," I say. I don't want him to see. I know he would tell me to do it if there was time enough to explain, but there is not and selfishly I do not want this to be the last thing he sees me do. I draw my sword and do my duty.
Angel's eyes whip open and he reaches for me, not knowing or understanding why I have stabbed him. As Acathla's vortex reaches to pull him in I am at peace with my choice. He may never forgive himself for what I am about to do, but it really isn't a choice. There is nothing left for me here. I am wanted for murder, have been expelled, kicked out of my home. It may be a hell dimension but Angel will be there and if I stay I will still be in hell just without Angel. I step into his arms, wrapping my arms tightly around him and am gratified when his arms wrap around me. I hold on with all my strength not wanting the vortex to separate us as it pulls us in. Whatever is ahead of us we will face it together and I can rest knowing that I saved the world again.